SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch is our second feature for the Local Look series that takes you to resorts and shows you what they’re all about.

This mountain is one of Colorado’s Gems that deserves more recognition that it receives. It’s known as a family-friendly resort, with an environment for progression at each person’s comfort level, making it the perfect zone for you to check out.

About:
SolVista Basin is nestled in the Grand Valley, northwest of Denver, Colorado. It originally opened for operation in the early eighties and has been catering to shreds ever since. The resort, originally named Silver Creek, changed to SolVista near the turn of the century to reflect the vast amount of sun in the valley and the outstanding views that dominate the area.

It originally opened for operation in the early eighties and has been catering to shredders ever since.

The Granby Ranch community, chose the name SolVista Basin for the ski area near the turn of the century to reflect the vast amount of sun in the valley and the breathtaking views that surround the area. Granby Ranch offers year-round adventures at SolVista Terrain Park, SolVista Bike Park, Headwaters Golf Course, SolVista Basin, Seven Trails Grille and the Fraser Rivercamp.

Often coined ‘Sunny SolVista,’ SolVista Basin is known for its family-friendly terrain that is suitable for all levels of ability. The resort has recently been amping up their park scene, and boasts six progressive terrain parks, located in eight different zones.

The mountain is a great place for family getaways and for serious shreds who want to get off the beaten path and and explore a secret stash in the Colorado mountains.

The resort has some of the most affordable lift tickets in the state and is open for night tubing, skiing and riding on Saturdays from 5 PM until 8 PM.

Location:
SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch is located just 79 miles northwest of Denver, and 15 miles north of Winter Park. Take I-70 West to exit 232, and head north on Hwy 40 over Berthoud Pass to the town of Winter Park. Continue north on Hwy 40 for 15 miles towards Granby, and take a right just before City Market onto Village Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the Base Lodge parking lot on the right.

Mountain:
Number of Trails:
35

Skiable Acres:
406

Lifts:
2 quads, 1 triple,
1 double, 2 surface

Trails:
Beginner Trails:
30%

Intermediate Trails:
50%

Advance Trails:
20%

Base Elevation:
8,202 ft.

Top Elevation:
9,202 ft.

Parks:
The resort features six different parks, broken into eight zones.

It’s easy to hit up all of the parks in one day and each boasts an array of features. The main park has three jumps, with the largest coming in at a massive 50 feet. Definitely bigger than you think, and not for the timid.

Following this jump is everyone’s favorite feature, The Tank. This is a massive red and white fuel barrel that can be hit in many different directions.You can launch it as a quarter pipe, jib up and over it, or do whatever your heart desires; the options are endless.

Teal Anders, the head of park operations can be credited for his work in creating and maintaining all of the parks. Teal ensures that all of the features are fun, safe and progressive.

Teal is assisted by John Kohlwey who is the only other member of the park crew. These guys make it happen at SolVista Terrain Park by working hard and creating parks that are super awesome for all levels of riders.

These guys were kind enough to take us all around the mountain and showed us the goods, which even included a couple turns in untouched pow, mid-day off the Conquest Lift.

They also took us to ‘Ted’s Secret Stash’ which is an all natural log park off the Jackalope run. You’ll definitely want to check out these log jibs.

Props to these dudes creating features for everyone and pushing the progression of the sport by ensuring their parks are groomed, safe and provide something for everyone.

The motto of the park crew is ‘Here at SolVista, Awesome is what we do.’- Once you take a lap, you’ll realize this is totally true.

On-Mountain Dining:
After lapping the quad and getting down in the parks, you’ll probably work up quite an appetite. SolVista Basin has two great dining options at Base Camp Lodge. You can hit up the Dining Hall which is upstairs for lodge food including salads, burgers and daily specials.

If you’re looking to linger and want a nice meal, head to the restaurant at Seven Trails Grille where you’ll be served by a friendly staff. The menu has a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes including salads, gyros, fired pizzas and paninis. It’s a great place to watch the action on the hill, and an even better place for an après ski beer or cocktail with live acoustic music.

Next time you’re looking to get your shred on, and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, scoot on over to SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch. You’ll be pleasantly surprised- the shredding is sick!

Check out these links to plan your trip:

http://www.granbyranch.com/ski.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ridesolvista?ref=ts

Thanks to Teresa Hill, Teal Anders and John Kohlwey for showing us a great time at SolVista Basin.